UDI closes seven reception centres

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) has announced the closure of seven reception centres across Norway, corresponding to a total reduction of approximately 1,050 reception places. The decision is driven by lower-than-anticipated asylum arrivals. While the number of displaced persons from Ukraine arriving in Norway has largely been in line with official forecasts, the number of asylum applicants from other countries has been significantly lower than expected. This has had a particularly pronounced impact on accommodation needs, as applicants undergoing the regular asylum procedure typically remain in reception centres for considerably longer periods than individuals granted collective protection and other groups.

Currently, the UDI accommodates approximately 9,100 residents across 106 reception centres and units, while the overall reception capacity stands at 14,311 places. The seven reception centres concerned are scheduled to cease operations by the end of the year.

The number of residents in reception centres has continued to decline, and this trend is expected to persist through the first half of 2027. Should this development continue, additional reductions in reception capacity, including the closure of further reception centres, may become necessary in the near future.